I have ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State. The life of every Nigerian matters. No citizen should lose their life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty. I am deeply concerned by the reported deaths. This is a grave matter, and the circumstances must be investigated urgently and thoroughly. The Federal Government will continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across our country. Those operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person taken into custody. The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment. We will not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence, abuse, dereliction of duty or the failure of public officials to protect lives placed under their care. Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, that officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability. I have directed that the investigation be comprehensive, transparent and unhindered. It must establish the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were held, the number of persons detained at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events leading to their deaths. The suspension of officers is an administrative step. It cannot substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution. I have therefore directed the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the NSCDC to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities. No officer must interfere with the investigation or attempt to frustrate the establishment of the truth. I extend my condolences to the families of those who died and pray for the repose of their souls. I also appeal for calm among the affected families and communities. The Federal Government will pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence. We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. Government must enforce the law firmly, but government itself must obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable. BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA